Chapter 75: Chapter 75

I swallowed a gulp down my throat as I looked up at him. "He's definitely an ass," I agreed, my voice tight.

I had to know why Romeo kept showing up everywhere I went. I needed a break from his face.

Romeo walked toward me, his hands shoved in his pockets, and his eyes fixed on mine. "You don't belong at these kinds of parties," He said bluntly.

I refused to be intimidated by his intense gaze. I kept looking back at him, my chin raised. "This is not the first time you're telling me this," I told him.

"I'm going to keep saying it until you take a break from these parties you don't like," He rambled, his forest green eyes glinting in the light.

I tucked a lock of hair behind my ear, breaking eye contact. "Just so you know, I'm enjoying this party," I lied, my cheeks heating up.

Romeo scoffed. "You can tell yourself that if it helps you sleep at night. You are enjoying yourself, alone in the corner? And you kicked the guy who was trying to make tonight fun for you."

I raised my gaze to meet his, but not his eyes - I studied his lips instead. I didn't know what to make of that, and I was not thinking anything other than that. At least, I didn't think I was.

"Don't bring up that guy. He was drunk and an idiot. I don't think anyone wants him touching them," I blurted out.

"Then get out of this corner and mingle with other people," He urged.

A line appeared between my brows."What's wrong with me standing in the corner?" I asked him.

Romeo shifted closer to me, our chests almost brushing. "It is not safe, dummy," He whispered near my ear.

His breath against my ear made me shiver. I stood there, frozen, unsure what to say. I had to get a hold of myself.

"What are you doing here?" I managed to ask. "You're not having a good time either, right?"

"Not really," He replied, running his hands through his hair. "These parties are dumb. Honestly, I haven't enjoyed any of them lately."

"Where is Samantha? Are you not supposed to be with her?" I blurted out the first thought that came to my mind.

His brows drew together. "You are really intent on killing the mood, aren't you? I didn't bring up your boyfriend. Don't bring up Sam," He said.

I gave a shrug. "You can't tell me what to do. I can bring up anyone I want."

He let out a sigh. "There goes that attitude again."

"Where's Samantha? I asked again.

"I don't know," He answered.

"I thought you would be with her,"

"I think she's up there playing truth or dare with some other people," He told me. "I can't spend all my time with her. She's not my girlfriend, after all."

I rolled my eyes. "Well, what exactly is your relationship with her?" I asked.

"It's... complicated," Romeo mumbled. "Can we not talk about this?"

"Fine," I snapped. "I should not be talking with you too."

"Your boyfriend told you to stop talking to me,"

I shot him a death stare. "Are you obsessed with my boyfriend?" I questioned him.

"Same way you're obsessed with Samantha, right?" Romeo retorted.

I shook my head. "I'm the one living rent free in Samantha's head. So, No." I uttered.

"I'm not obsessed with a guy either. Ew, why would I be obsessed with a guy?" He blurted out, raising his eyebrows.

I tried not to smile, but a small smirk slipped onto my face.

A thought suddenly hit me. Was I actually having a normal conversation with Romeo? It was the same Romeo I knew, but he was acting out of character.

He seemed to be acting more like his old self, but there was something softer in his tone.

I caught Romeo's gaze, and he looked back at me, the corners of his mouth curved, turning into a smile. He tried to suppress it by putting his hand over his mouth, but I could tell from the crinkle in his eyes that he was grinning.

"I don't know why I'm smiling right now," He said, the smile finally fading.

"I'm not sure why I'm smiling either," I admitted.

His face turned serious."Where's your best friend?" He questioned me.

My brows snapped together."Why are you asking?" I asked back.

"You should not be alone," He uttered, shoving his hands into his pocket. "I'm going to head out."

"But, it's already late," I said slowly, picking my words one after the other.

I was trying to hide how much I disliked the idea of being left on my own.

"Who says I can't drive late at night?" Romeo asked, his lips curving into a smirk.

I started. "You are - "

Before I could complete my words, a drunk guy walked up to me. I took a deep breath. This was getting out of hand. Why were all the drunk people flocking to me?

"Hey baby," The drunk guy slurred, grinning from ear to ear like a maniac.

I looked at Romeo for help, but he just watched with a small smirk on his face. His arms were crossed over his chest. What was he trying to do? Well, I could handle this on my own.

"What do you want?" I snapped.

The drunk guy winked. The gesture was even more off-putting than I expected. I hated that wink.

"I want you in my bed," He said with no shame.

Like the first guy, he reached for me, but I didn't think twice. I kicked him so hard he fell to the ground. Before he could get back up, I kicked him again. When he got up, he ran as fast as he could.

"When did you start kicking balls, Ivy?" Romeo teased me.

"Shut up, or I'll kick your balls too," I threatened, my cheeks flushing.

"As if you could," He muttered, lifting an eyebrow.

I blinked my eyelashes rapidly. "Are you leaving or not?" I questioned him.

"I'm leaving now," Romeo replied.

He turned and started walking away. Then, he spun around, his hand at me before he focused on where he was going.

I bit my lip, forcing myself to maintain my composure. I needed to get a grip on myself. I really should not ask him this. But, given the scene around me, I knew this party wasn't for me. It was getting dangerous to be here alone.

I couldn't help myself. "Can I come with you, Romeo?" I blurted out, my voice high-pitched.

Romeo didn't turn around, and I wondered if he had not heard me. If I had to repeat myself, I'd die of embarrassment.

A moment later, He spun around and motioned for me to come with him. My eyes lit up as I ran up to him.

"Do you really want to go?" Romeo asked, staring down at me.

I nodded my head. "Yes, I don't want to stay here alone,"

"I'm not going to my place though. It's my friend's house. I've been crashing with him for a while now." He told me, running his hands through his hair.

"Will it be safe there?" I inquired.

"Yes," He replied. "Are you sure you still want to come?"

I frowned. "Why are you phrasing that like you would do something to me?"

Romeo sighed. "I just wanted to be sure. I'm not even capable of harming you in any way,"

"In that case, let's go then. " He added, holding my wrist.